You sound like you need beer. Now.
*
Not directed at you specifically, and no consolation I'm sure, but this is why DIY shouldn't be seen as a cheap way of getting equipment.
Sure, when everything goes well, DIY cannot be beaten. But get a couple of random gremlins in the system and the general lack of fuss you get with commercial gear suddenly becomes very attractive - regardless of the cost. It was the same for me back when I was assembling PCs for myself and my family.